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20m ago

Panthers Finalizing Long-Term Extension With Niko Mikkola

The reported deal would secure Florida’s top four through 2030, reinforcing a defense-first foundation as the season opens without Aleksander Barkov or Matthew Tkachuk.

May 14, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Florida Panthers defenseman Niko Mikkola (77) scores on this shot against the Toronto Maple Leafs during the second period of game five of the second round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
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May 24, 2025; Sunrise, Florida, USA; Florida Panthers defenseman Niko Mikkola (77) celebrates after a goal during the third period against the Carolina Hurricanes in game three of the Eastern Conference Final of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amerant Bank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Overview

  • ESPN reports Florida is finalizing a long-term extension with defenseman Niko Mikkola, with an announcement possible this week.
  • The extension would begin in 2026–27 and keep Mikkola alongside Gustav Forsling, Aaron Ekblad and Seth Jones under contract until at least 2030.
  • Mikkola, 29, is in the final season of a three-year, $7.5 million deal that carries a $2.5 million cap hit.
  • He has averaged over 20 minutes per game since joining Florida in 2023, posting 9-30-39 with a +23 rating in 158 games while playing a shutdown, heavy-usage role.
  • The timing bolsters roster stability as Barkov recovers from ACL and MCL surgery with a seven-to-nine-month timeline and Tkachuk targets a return around December.